Posted by Toothbrushes play a critical role in oral hygiene. They remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. However one must remember that they have a finite lifespan.
There are two types of toothbrushes- manual and electric. There are different recommendations for replacing both of these toothbrushes.
How often should you replace your manual toothbrush?
It is recommended by the American Dental Association that toothbrushes be replaced every 3-4 months or when the bristles start to wear down and split, whatever occurs first. However, many people do not replace their toothbrushes as often as they should, which can lead to poor oral hygiene.
That being said, some situations might require that a toothbrush be replaced more often. When a toothbrush isn’t replaced regularly, it can become less effective and can affect your oral health.
The toothbrush is ready for the trash when the bristles have lost their stiffness. Without the stiffness of the bristles to remove food and plaque, your toothbrush will simply not work efficiently regardless of the time it has been into function.
How often should you replace your electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are a great way to keep your teeth clean, but they can wear out over time. Here are three reasons to replace your electric toothbrush:
1) The bristles become worn and less effective at cleaning your teeth.
2) The battery no longer holds a charge and the toothbrush can’t be used.
3) The toothbrush is no longer comfortable to use.
Replacing toothbrush head:
A head of an electric toothbrush efficiently cleans facets of the teeth by rotating and vibrating rapidly. In a comparable manner, the head of an electric toothbrush also contains nylon bristles that can quickly wear out. Additionally, the bristles in an electric toothbrush head are shorter, making them deteriorate more over time.
Ideally, you should replace your electric toothbrush head every 3 months, or sooner if necessary. Check the bristles to ascertain when they’re worn enough to determine if it needs replacement sooner.
What are the other reasons for the replacement of toothbrushes?
- If you or any of your family members have recently suffered from an illness (specifically contagious ones) it is a good idea to replace toothbrushes of every member in the family.
- After a viral or bacterial infection like strep throat.
- If any one else has used your toothbrush by mistake.
- It is important to note that children’s toothbrushes should be changed more often as they tend to expose them to many other surfaces than teeth alone.
How to take care of your toothbrush?
The average person brushes their teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. Here are some tips on how to take care of your toothbrush:
- Rinse your toothbrush with hot water after each use.
- Store your toothbrush in an upright position, so that the bristles can air dry.
- Do not share the toothbrush with anyone even with your immediate family member. Do not let your toothbrush head touch each other if stored in the same container.
- Do not cover the toothbrush as it may not allow it to dry properly and encourage mold growth.
What happens when you do not replace your toothbrush on time?
According to a study people who didn’t replace their toothbrushes on the 40th day of use experienced considerably more plaque buildup. Imagine using it for months together.
Also the older the toothbrush, the more are the chances of bacterial build-up and spread of infection. So do not forget to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months!
Happy Brushing!